Africa's digital transformation
Who are the big beneficiaries of Africa's rapidly improving internet connectivity?
The rollout of the internet in Africa has been patchy. Some countries have used it to leapfrog others, boosting their economies. For many others, new networks and technologies have yet to bear fruit. From Sudan to Ethiopia to the DRC, the continent is marred by regular internet shutdowns, with the aim of stopping anti-government protesters from organising. And very few countries have taken steps to define the rules of digital privacy and data protection. Yet, Africa remains the fastest growing internet market in the world, with one study suggesting that by 2025 the continent will have 600 million internet users. So, who are gaining most from Africa’s improved online connectivity? Are they the foreign technology giants amassing people’s personal data, governments who can control the flow of information - or Africa's citizens who now have more choices and a voice like never before? Join Julian Marshall and guests as they discuss the winners and losers of Africa's digital transformation.
(Photo: Sudanese protester Alaa Salah during a demonstration in Khartoum in April, 2019. Courtesy of Lana H. Haroun)
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Contributors
Berhan Taye - global digital rights group, Access Now
Nanjala Nyabola - author, Digital Democracy, Analogue Politics
Chibuzor Obiora - technology entrepreneur
Nnenna Nwakanma - World Wide Web Foundation
Also featuring
Tagreed Abdin - protester in Khartoum
Kojo Boakye - Facebook's Head of Connectivity for Africa
Michael Kwet - Yale Law School
Charles Murito - Country Manager for Google, Kenya
Picture
Sudanese protester Alaa Salah during a demonstration in Khartoum in April, 2019. Photo: Courtesy of Lana H. Haroun
Broadcasts
- Fri 5 Jul 2019 08:06GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service
- Fri 5 Jul 2019 23:06GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service
- Sat 6 Jul 2019 02:06GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Australasia & Americas and the Caribbean only
- Sat 6 Jul 2019 03:06GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except Americas and the Caribbean & Australasia
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The Real Story
Global experts and decision makers discuss, debate and analyse a key news story.